After stepping up as the new director of the Wesley Foundation for Southeastern, pastor Matt Rawle began his tenure by creating several pieces of young adult theology. Rawle wrote three books, each book aiming to help young people learn who they are in Christ.  According to Rawle, the books were published by Abingdon Press in Nashville, and the books were shipped to stores on Friday.  Rawle hopes his books will be available in the University Bookstore.  

Each book is part of an individual study, and the studies will be covered in depth during small groups at the Wesley Foundation.  Small groups are scheduled for Monday nights at 7:00 p.m. 

“I wrote my books because there wasn’t any good Christian theology for young adults.  Everything I could find was either too simple or all over the place,” said Rawle.  “It was helpful to have a series that Baby Boomers trusted and that youth thought was edgy.  I wanted something thought-provoking but accessible for a Millennial generation.”

Rawle observed that film classics such as “Star Wars,” “Lord of the Rings,” “The Matrix” and “The Lion King” all feature a savior of some sort.  Rawle examined these films and the figures within them.  He also observed the storytelling that is prominent in all of these works, and “Hollywood Jesus” is all about storytelling.  While the intersection of script and scripture are crucial to the book, its main purpose is to help students tell their story.  

The first book is titled “The Faith of a Mockingbird.” Rawle Introduces readers to the characters and situations of “To Kill A Mockingbird.”   By connecting readers to this classic tale of crime, punishment and prejudice, Rawle helps readers to find their place in society and discuss racial tensions.  

Rawle also explained that generations of students have used “To Kill A Mockingbird” as school reading material.  As such, “The Faith of  a Mockingbird” resonates with all age groups, and is perfectly suited for a study like Rawle’s.  When Rawle was asked about the goals of the book, the author was once again prepared to explain its deeper meaning.    

“The Faith of a Mockingbird” is about learning your place in society, that of the other person, and giving readers a new language to discuss racial tension,” Rawle said.

The second book is called “The Salvation of Doctor Who,” and it is based in the global favorite British sci-fi “Doctor Who.”  Rawle explained that in the series “Doctor Who,” the Doctor would be ‘regenerated’ from time to time, gaining new clothes, personality and appearance.  Despite these changes, he remained the same Doctor.  

Using this “Doctor Who” trait as a parallel, Rawle paralleled the many sides of the Doctor and the equally numerous sides of Jesus Christ.  The book addresses the intersection of science and faith, as well as perceived contradictions between the two. Like “The Faith of a Mockingbird,” Rawle again uses something that readers of all generations will relate to in order to understand the scripture more.  

“This book is about discovering who you are, using science, faith, and the characters of ‘Doctor Who,’” Rawle said.  

For his final book, pastor Rawle used films throughout American history, and titled the book “Hollywood Jesus.”  In this book, Rawle examines the intersection of faith and film in everyday life, citing movies throughout history.  

Rawle expressed excitement about his new books and his position as the new director of the Wesley Foundation.  Two of his goals are to reach students using his new books and to rebuild a Methodist presence on campus.